How Much Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Cost in Australia? A Detailed Guide

Considering corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is a significant step towards a healthier, more aligned smile. While the benefits – improved bite function, enhanced facial symmetry, and boosted confidence – are invaluable, one of the most common questions we hear at Liverpool Orthodontics is, “How much does corrective jaw surgery cost?”

It’s a complex question with no single, easy answer, as the total cost can vary considerably based on several factors unique to each patient and their treatment plan. As your trusted Australian orthodontic experts, we’re here to provide a transparent breakdown of the costs involved, including the roles of Medicare and private health insurance, presented with helpful tables.

Understanding the Components of How Much Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Cost in Australia

When you consider the total expense of corrective jaw surgery, it’s important to understand that it’s not just a single surgical fee. Instead, it comprises several distinct components:

1. Orthodontic Treatment Fees (Pre and Post-Surgery): This is often the largest component and is the direct cost of your braces or clear aligners. Before surgery, your teeth need to be precisely aligned within each jaw so they can fit together correctly after the surgical repositioning. Post-surgery, further orthodontic adjustments are needed to fine-tune your bite.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon’s Fees: This is the fee for the specialist surgeon who performs the actual jaw operation. Their fees reflect their expertise, the complexity of your case (e.g., single vs. double jaw surgery), and any additional procedures like genioplasty (chin surgery).
3. Anaesthetist’s Fees: Corrective jaw surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting. The anaesthetist’s fee depends on the duration of the surgery and their individual rates.
4. Hospital Fees: This covers the cost of using the hospital facilities, including the operating theatre, your overnight stay (usually 1-2 nights), nursing care, medications administered in hospital, and any necessary equipment or implants (like the titanium plates and screws used to fix the jaws).
5. Ancillary Costs: These can include initial consultations and diagnostic records (X-rays, 3D scans, models), pathology fees, post-surgery medications, and in some cases, physiotherapy or speech therapy.

Estimated Cost Breakdown Table (Australian Dollars)

The following table provides estimated ranges for each component of corrective jaw surgery costs in Australia. Please remember these are estimates and can vary.

The Role of Medicare and Private Health Insurance

Understanding how Medicare and private health insurance interact with these costs is crucial for Australian patients.

• Medicare:
  • Medicare generally provides a rebate for the medical components of corrective jaw surgery, primarily a portion of the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees, if the surgery is for functional reasons (e.g., correcting bite problems, improving breathing, addressing TMJ issues).
  • Medicare does not cover purely cosmetic jaw surgery.
  • It also does not cover the orthodontic treatment component (braces/aligners) or the hospital fees in a private hospital setting.
  • You will receive a Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) item number from your surgeon, which you can use to claim your rebate. However, be aware that there is often a “gap” between what the surgeon charges and what Medicare rebates.
• Private Health Insurance:
  • Hospital Cover: If you have an appropriate level of “hospital cover” (typically Gold or some Silver Plus policies, often under “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” or “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” categories), your private health insurance can significantly cover your private hospital fees (operating theatre, accommodation, implants). Most funds have agreements with hospitals to cover the majority of these costs, though you may still have an excess payment or co-payment depending on your policy. It is essential to contact your private health fund with the relevant MBS item numbers provided by your surgeon to confirm your level of cover and any out-of-pocket expenses for hospital fees and the anaesthetist’s portion.
  • Extras Cover (Ancillary Cover): This type of cover is relevant for the orthodontic treatment component. Depending on your level of “dental extras” or “major dental” cover, you may receive a rebate for a portion of your braces or aligner costs. These rebates vary widely, and annual limits and lifetime limits usually apply.

Estimated Total Out-of-Pocket Costs

Factoring in all components, and assuming you have comprehensive private health insurance with hospital cover and some level of dental extras, your estimated total out-of-pocket costs for corrective jaw surgery in Australia could range significantly.

A realistic estimate for the total out-of-pocket cost (after Medicare and private health insurance rebates, but excluding the initial investment in private health insurance premiums) often falls between

• $10,000 to $25,000+

This is a broad estimate, and your specific costs will be unique to your case. The “gap” you pay for the surgeon and anaesthetist (the difference between their fee and what Medicare and private health insurance cover) can be a significant factor.

Getting a Precise Quote for Your Corrective Jaw Surgery

Given the variables, the most accurate way to determine how much corrective jaw surgery will cost you is through detailed consultations:

1. Specialist Orthodontic Consultation: Your first step is to consult with a specialist orthodontist. They will assess your bite, discuss whether surgery is necessary, and provide an estimate for the pre and post-surgical orthodontic treatment. They can also advise on payment plans for this component.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) Consultation: If surgery is recommended, your orthodontist will refer you to an OMS. The OMS will conduct a thorough examination and provide a detailed quote for the surgical fees, including relevant Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) item numbers. This is your opportunity to ask about their billing practices (e.g., whether they participate in a “known gap” scheme with your insurer) and payment arrangements.

With these item numbers from your surgeon, you can then contact Medicare and your private health insurer to understand your exact rebates and any out-of-pocket expenses for each component. Always request a written quote from all providers involved (orthodontist, surgeon, anesthetist, hospital).

Your Investment in a Lifetime of Benefits with Liverpool Orthodontics

At Liverpool Orthodontics, we understand that the cost of corrective jaw surgery is a significant consideration. Our priority is to provide transparent information and guide you through every step of this journey. We work hand-in-hand with leading Oral and maxillofacial surgeons across Australia to ensure you receive integrated, high-quality care.

Our specialist orthodontists, Dr. Eva Low and Dr. Priyanka Poona, will develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, always keeping your budget in mind. We offer flexible payment plans for the orthodontic component to make this life-changing treatment more accessible.

While the financial investment is substantial, the long-term benefits of corrective jaw surgery – a healthy, functional bite, improved oral health, enhanced facial harmony, and increased self-confidence—are truly priceless. Investing in your oral health and well-being is an investment that pays dividends for a lifetime.

If you’re in Liverpool or the surrounding areas and ready to discuss whether corrective jaw surgery is right for you or to understand the potential costs involved for your unique situation, don’t hesitate to reach out.